About the Attorney

Ms. Brenda Nelms obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Georgia State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, which is the highest honors achievable. While earning her undergraduate degree, Ms. Nelms was also awarded the Wall Street Journal Student of the Year for her outstanding achievement in economics.

Ms. Nelms went on to Law School attending George Mason University School of Law located in Arlington, Virginia, where she earned her Doctor of Law degree in 2000.

Ms. Nelms has concentrated her entire legal career exclusively in the areas of family and divorce law, which means that she has represented thousands of clients with their family law issues over the last 16 years.

Ms. Nelms believes that divorce should be resolved through mediation and collaboration, when possible, and she was one of the first family law attorneys in Sarasota County to be certified in collaborative law. She has been representing families both in and out of the courtroom for over 16 years and she is known to be fiercely committed to her clients.

Bar Admissions

State of Maryland - 2000
State of Florida - 2004

Education

George Mason University School of Law; Doctor of Law; 2000.
Georgia State University; Bachelor of Science in Economics; 1997.

Community Involvement

Past President of the Venice –Englewood Bar Association, Venice, Florida.
Past President of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Sarasota, Florida.

American Inn of Court, Barrister, Sarasota, Florida.

Family Court of Professional Collaborative, Sarasota, Florida, Past board member.
Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Member.

State Bar of Florida; Family Law Section Member.

Sarasota County Bar Association, Member.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters; Past board member.

I was very pleased with the entire experience I had with Families First Law Firm. Once the process for litigation was started Brenda stayed in contact with me throughout the entire process, sometimes communicating with me several times a day. This was very much appreciated and had not been an experience I was used to getting from other firms in the past. Brenda exceeded my expectations on every level and I believe went out of her way to ensure certain procedures happened expediently. I have nothing but high praise for her service and the practice there at the Families First Law Firm!
Trinity Cunningham, Cambridge, Ohio

I would very much like to recommend your law firm to others – the professional, prompt service provided me, the client, with confidence and reassurance that the important matters would be handled efficiently and personally.
Local Business Provider, Sarasota, FL

I cannot say enough about Brenda! Words are not enough. Five years ago this attorney saved my life. I was married to a well known and well respected attorney. I had come to her after hiring another attorney who after almost a year, had done nothing for my case. Brenda got right to action and through her solid foundation and knowledge of family law, I got a new start at a new
life. She dealt with such a difficult situation in my case...judges who knew my former spouse, one after the other withdrew from my case, leaving Brenda with additional obstacles in fighting for me. But boy did she fight; with knowledge, with respect, with professionalism, with perseverance, with lots of time, and with compassion for me and my family. Thank you, Brenda.
I am forever grateful for your service
Past Client, Sarasota Florida